Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke have recovered from injuries and been included in New Zealand’s pace attack for next month’s Test series against England, as well as a one-off Test against Ireland.
Tall seamer Jamieson, 31, hasn’t played Test cricket since 2024 due to back problems, while 24-year-old quick O’Rourke, also recovering from a back stress fracture, last featured in August.
Batter Kane Williamson, who last played for the Black Caps in December after opting for a casual contract to focus on franchise opportunities, has also been named in the squad.
Spinner Mitchell Santner misses out after injuring his shoulder during the Indian Premier League, though New Zealand remains hopeful he may feature later in the England series. Seamer Jacob Duffy is unavailable as he expects the birth of his first child, and spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell has requested a break from Test cricket and is not included.
New Zealand will begin with a four-day match in Belfast on 27 May, followed by a three-Test series against Ben Stokes’ England starting at Lord’s on 4 June. The Tests mark England’s first action since their 4-1 Ashes defeat, and the presence of Jamieson and O’Rourke will test an England batting lineup that struggled in Australia.
The Black Caps’ squad also includes seamer Matt Henry, Blair Tickner — who took eight wickets in two ODIs against England last year — and Zak Foulkes, who claimed four wickets in the first match of that series. Jamieson had 80 wickets in just 19 Tests before his injury, while O’Rourke has taken 39 in 11 matches, including 10 against England in 2024.
Ben Sears, another seamer, is part of the squad for the Ireland match and will travel to England as a reserve. Off-spin all-rounder Dean Foxcroft earns his first call-up.
New Zealand squad to face Ireland and England: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Kristian Clarke (Ireland only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (Ireland only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland only), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
